In just his second season as the New York Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn finds himself on the hot seat following a dismal 3-14 season.

According to SNY’s Connor Hughes and ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jets owner Woody Johnson is taking an “ultra-aggressive” approach. He’s ready to outbid competitors in free agency or absorb a blockbuster trade to secure a proven quarterback.

With the appointment of Frank Reich as Offensive Coordinator and Bill Musgrave as Quarterbacks Coach earlier this month, the New York Jets have telegraphed their next move. New York is expected to transition toward a “West Coast” offense that prioritizes quick processing, high completion percentages, and veteran stability. 

The Jets currently own the No. 2 overall pick, but the lack of first-round talent at the quarterback position could ultimately force their hand. If Fernando Mendoza goes first overall, as expected, New York might be better off addressing the quarterback position via trade or free agency. 

That would allow the front office to select the best player available in the draft and position the Jets to speed up what has been a lengthy rebuild. 

Here are the three most likely candidates to lead the Jets’ offense in 2026.

1. Mac Jones via Trade with 49ers

Mac Jones has emerged as the Jets’ most realistic trade target after a strong 2025 campaign in San Francisco. Stepping in for Brock Purdy, Jones threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and a 97.4 passer rating across 11 games, repairing his league-wide reputation as a precise, timing-based distributor—exactly the type of quarterback Frank Reich prefers.

While the 49ers publicly hope to keep Jones as insurance, New York offers him a clear starting role. For the Jets, Jones represents a calculated, low-risk option: his 2025 completion percentage and 13-to-6 TD-to-INT ratio suggest he could provide the baseline competency needed to maximize a receiving corps led by Garrett Wilson. Unlike the high-variance bets of the previous regime, Jones offers a stable floor to support an offense ready to win now.

2. Malik Willis via Free Agency

Malik Willis enters 2026 as the top free-agent quarterback, according to PFF and industry insiders. After two years in Green Bay functioning as a “finishing school,” Willis has evolved from a raw, run-first prospect into a disciplined, efficient passer. In spot starts last season, he completed 78% of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions, showcasing his growth.

Willis’ appeal to the Jets lies in his dual-threat ability and newfound poise in the pocket. At 26, he fits the team’s competitive window and offers a level of playmaking athleticism that Reich has successfully leveraged with quarterbacks like Carson Wentz. And because he can be signed without giving up draft capital, New York could use both first-round picks (#2 and #16) to bolster the offensive line and defense—potentially assembling the most balanced roster of the Aaron Glenn era.

3. Kyler Murray via Trade with Cardinals

Kyler Murray is the market’s highest-profile option, with the Arizona Cardinals moving toward a total rebuild under Mike LaFleur. Murray’s $52.6 million cap hit for 2026 is steep, but the Jets are one of the few teams with both the space and urgency to facilitate a deal. Arizona is reportedly motivated to trade him before a $19.5 million 2027 guarantee triggers on March 15, which could reduce compensation demands.

On the field, Murray is the only candidate with a proven top-10 ceiling. His career totals—over 20,000 passing yards and 150 total touchdowns—outshine other available veterans. For the Jets, acquiring Murray would be the “Nuclear Option,” instantly transforming the team from a rebuild into a legitimate AFC East contender if the front office deems 2026 a must-win season.